No fatalities

Hard Landing Results in Left Main Landing Gear Collapse and Fuselage Damage

Liberty, NC, United States

On December 28, 2014, a CESSNA 310N operated by BULLOCK JAMES R JR was involved in an aviation accident near Liberty, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and collapse of the left main landing gear. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a night landing in visual conditions, the airplane touched down hard, causing the left main landing gear to collapse and substantial fuselage damage. The pilot reported no mechanical issues, and the airport's runway lights were noted as non-standard.

Accident Details

A pilot landing at night in visual meteorological conditions experienced a hard touchdown. The left main landing gear subsequently collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In an interview with the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot reported being accustomed to approaches with instrument and visual glidepath guidance.

Airport Information

According to the airport/facilities directory entry for the accident airport, a note advised pilots that the size, spacing, and number of runway edge and end lights were not standard. This non-standard lighting configuration was documented in the directory.

Contributing factors

Landing flare — Not attained/maintainedPilot